•  Why Work?
• +Work and My Benefits
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•  What Do I Want to Do?
•  What Can I Do?
• -Paths to Success
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  • Learning Workplace Culture
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• +Getting Experience
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• +The Job Search
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  • Resume and Cover Letter
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• +Getting Help on the Job
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  • What Can I Ask For?
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Getting and keeping a job involves more than knowing how to do the work. Employment will bring you into contact with new people and new situations. Here are a few guidelines to help you be prepared for the many other issues that come up when you are working.

• Demonstrate that you take the work seriously - You will be expected to be at work every day that you are scheduled, and to be there on time. Being on time means being ready to work at the time you are supposed to start, not arriving in the parking lot at that time or visiting the soda machine. Get your assignments and start working. If you have questions, ask your supervisor for guidance.
• Get a sense of the culture - While you are working you will notice how much interaction there is among the people around you. In some work environments, there is not much communication among people. In other settings, people interact more freely, sharing ideas, working in pairs or groups, or just saying hello as they pass by. Learn what is expected and follow along. Don't socialize too much, but also don't appear unfriendly or make it look like your coworkers aren't working as hard as you are. It is important to find the right balance.
• Create positive relationships - Much of the happiness or unhappiness people find at work does not come from the work itself but from the personalities of the people around them. Most positions will involve spending time each day with your supervisor and coworkers. Treat them with respect and courtesy, just as you hope to be treated yourself. As much as possible, avoid office politics and gossip. If the workplace culture includes birthday parties or other social events, it is important to participate. Again, learn what the expectations are, and make a point of fulfilling them.
• If conflicts arise with a coworker - If the behavior of a coworker is interfering with your work, first address the issue privately with him or her. Calmly explain what is bothering you. Use "I" statements, such as "I feel" and "It makes me uncomfortable when. . ." This is often received better than "You did this" or "You said that." Look for solutions that will satisfy both of you. Many times, a problem results from a misunderstanding and an honest discussion will reduce the strain. If this doesn't work, try again. If nothing is resolved, you may have to appeal to your supervisor for help.
• If conflicts arise with a supervisor - Problems with your supervisor are tougher to handle, but the same rules apply. Speak to him or her privately, explaining your concerns using "I" statements and seeking a solution. If other people are voicing similar complaints, you may just have a difficult boss, and at least you know that you are not the cause of the problem. If the situation becomes serious enough, there may be a higher person in the company that you can go to, or you may think about moving within the company so that you have a different supervisor. When all else fails, you may consider changing jobs.
• Friends at work - Most people meet some of their friends through employment, so having a friend or several friends at work is not unusual. As long as both of you are still working in the same company, however, you will need to be aware of the conflicts that can arise. There may be times when your friendship creates awkwardness at work, such as if your friend is going through a difficult time at home and it is affecting his or her job performance. If your friend is also your supervisor, you need to understand that he or she will have to treat you the same as all the other employees, even if you deserve a warning or other disciplinary action. If a supervisor treats you differently, other coworkers will notice and you will have problems with them. In other words, it is possible, even desirable, to have friends at work. Just keep in mind that this will bring complexities that other friendships do not have.